z

Functions of Literature
Test (Part 1)
z
Overview

General literature tests assess
students' knowledge on particular
pieces of literature which they
are assigned for class.
z
1. IN LEARNING

Tests are used to:

 measure students’ literary ability,

 discover how much they have been learning,

 diagnose students’ strengths and

weaknesses, and
 motivate students in learning.
z
2. IN TEACHING

Tests are used as a means to:

 ensure effective teaching,

 improve teaching quality,

 obtain feedback on student learning

place on a course.
z
3. IN RESEARCH

 Language tests have a potentially important

role in virtually all research – both basic
and applied, that is related to the nature of
language proficiency, language processing,
language acquisition, language attrition,
and language teaching.
z
Tips on Literature Testing

 1. Aim for balanced test. The test can include

knowledge and skills items; guided, controlled
and free response items; and productive and
receptive response type items.
z

 2. Use actual, authentic texts. The items

require contact with actual texts. This will
eliminate dependence on prepared or
memorized notes.
z

 3. Provide linguistic support when necessary.

Vocabulary and/or structure (grammar) helps
eliminate can help eliminate linguistics
difficulties that hinder the application of
literary skills.
z

 4. Test items should require the

application of skills and principles.
z

 5. Test items should encourage the

transfer of skills from familiar texts to
unfamiliar ones.
z

 6. Write the test items to meet student

level, not tutor expectations.
z

 7. The test items should give

abstract concepts a practical and
concrete focus.
z

 8. Devise questions that would encourage the

test-takers to identify with and personalize the
texts they meet.
z

 9. Translate into test situations

those activities found to be
motivating in the classroom.
z
Thank you!